Panty-girdle formed of elastic fabric



Jan. 27, 1970 H. osTERMAN ErAL 3,491,763

PNTY'GIRDLE FORMED OF ELASTIC FABRIC Filed March l5, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet1 Jan. 27, 1970 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March l5. 1967 Ffgga /M/fA/mesUnited States Patent Office 3,491,763 Patented Jan. 27, 1970 3 491 763PANTY-GIRDLE FoRMEi) oF ELASTIC FABRIC Herbert Osterman, 18 RueSaussier-Leroy, and Jacqueline Suzette Blanchet, 22 Rue de Chazelles,both of Paris, France Filed Mar. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 622,751 Claimspriority, applicstoxsrance, Mar. 18, 1966,

Inf. cl. A41c l/o; A4111 9/02, 9/04 U.S. Cl. 12S- S28 8 Claims ABSTRACTF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to an article of ladiesunderwear of the panty-girdle type which is formed of elastic fabric.

It is known that, in order to obtain a slim figure, ladies do nothesitate to make use of tight-fitting girdles of elastic material forthe purpose of compressiing their waists and the tops of their legs.

However, an experimental analysis has revealed that girdles of the usualtypes and especially those which extend downwards over the thighs had atendency to produce a condition of unbalance in the deportment of thewearer.

In point of fact, ladies very frequently have one side which is notdeveloped to the same extent as the other. As a consequence, the degreeof compression which is exerted at the level of the articulation of thethigh-bone and which is sometimes of a high order can aggravate thenatural unbalance of the hips to an appreciable extent. Furthermore,this excessive compression is frequently the cause of cellulitis and canalso give rise to disorders in the circulation of the blood such asvaricose veins or the like.

The present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantagesreferred-to above and, in particular, to permit the balanced maintenanceof natural body shapes and, if necessary, the correction of such shapes,'without producing dangerous localized compressions.

In accordance with the invention, the panty-girdle of elastic fabric ischaracterized in that it comprises a main piece of fabric which isattached to an elastic belt and constitutes at least to a partial extentthe back, the fork portion and the front, said piece comprising twolateral edges joined together by means of a central ventral seam and thefree edges of said piece which delimit the openings for the thighs beingadapted to intersect at a sharp angle at the front so as to leave highrecesses for the free articulation of the thighs.

By virtue of this structure, the essential part of the girdle is formedfrom a single piece of fabric and with a minimum number of seams, whichrepresents a substantial simplification for the manufacturer. Moreover,the girdle thus obtained can have wide recesses which free the movementsof the thigh articulations. Furthermore, in spite of the use of elasticfabric, steps can be taken to ensure that the edges of the recesses donot exert any pressure on the skin, which is a highly favorable featureas has been explained in the foregoing and distinguishes the girdleaccording to the invention from the girdles of known types with tightlygripping edges.

In accordance with a characteristic feature of the invention, theelastic fabric which constitutes the main piece of fabric is cut in aparticular direction in order to provide the girdle with optimumorthopedic action. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the girdleis made in such a manner that the warp threads of the fabric are placedon the bias and symmetrically on each side of the central ventral seam,said warp threads being oriented at right angles to the center of theback whilst the free edges of the thigh openings intersect substantiallyat right angles at the front of the girdle, the fabric threads beingoriented in substantially parallel relation to the edges of therecesses. This arrangement facilitates the manufacturing process to aconsiderable extent.

In accordance with another particular feature of the invention, the mainpiece of fabric comprises at the base of the back a central pleat andtwo oblique side pleats which are symmetrical with each other relativelyto the central pleat, this arrangement being combined with the centralventral seam along which the fabric threads are oriented on the bias andsymmetrically.

This combination of means ensures perfect fitting of the rear portion ofthe hips and buttocks while allowing full freedom of movement at thetops of the legs |while walking.

In accordance with yet another advantageous feature, the panty-girdlecomprises a second piece of fabric which serves as a reinforcement andhas a substantially triangular cut-out part which covers the front andextends between the belt and the fork. The strength of the girdle as'well as its orthopedic properties and its appearance are thusappreciably enhanced.

Further particular features of the invention are brought out by thedescription which now follows below, reference being made to theaccompanying drawings in which a preferred form of construction of thegirdle is shown, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the constituent elements of said girdle aftercutting-out and prior to assembly;

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation on the front side and showing the elementsreferred-to above during assembly;

FIG. 3 is a diagram in perspective of the front portion of thepanty-girdle after setting in position;

FIG. 4 is another perspective diagram showing the rear portion of thepanty-girdle.

Referring first to FIG. l of the accompanying drawings, it is apparentthat the panty-girdle is made up of three elements, namely a main pieceof fabric A, a strengthening-piece B and a belt C.

The structural characteristics of the pieces A, B, C will first bedescribed, then their mode of assembly, and finally the characteristicsof the completed panty-girdle.

The pieces A and B are made of elastic fabric and preferably of openworkfabric (such as elastic net fabric, or tulle). It is possible inparticular to make use of elastic tulle in which the warp threads andweft threads are of different dimensions, the former being of largersection than the latter, so that said fabric develops a high elasticrestoring force and has a relatively small extension. In particular, usecan be made of an elastic fabric made of multiple-strand fibers,especially fibers having a polyamide-polyurethane base since thismaterial has a high capacity for extension in two directions at rightangles and then for reverting to its initial dimensions. A fabric ofthis type is known by the trademark Lycra registered by E. I. du Pont deNemours and Company, Inc. However, elastic fabrics of any other suitabletype, preferably openwork fabrics and having similar properties canobviously be employed.

The main piece A is cut symmetrically relatively to an axis X--X whichcorresponds to the center of the back.

The half-pattern corresponding to one of the halves of the piece A isprovided with two pointed recesses 1 and 2 which are directed towardsthe edge 3 corresponding to the belt. Said recesses form as a result ofcutting-out in the half-pattern three flaps 4, and 6 having differentcontours. In addition, the recess 1 is cut out in such a manner that theedges 1a, 1b of said recess are substantially at right angles to eachother. On the contrary, the edges of the recess 2 make a small anglerelative to each other (l5 to 30, for example).

The flap 4 terminates in a lateral edge 7 formed at right angles to theedge of the belt 3 and in a short transverse edge 8. In the vicinity ofthe edge 8, the flap 4 has a narrowed portion 9 which corresponds to thefork portion, as will become apparent hereinafter. The summit S of therecess 1 is located at a distance h from the edge 3 which issubstantially equal to the one-half the distance 2h between said edgeand the fork portion 9.

The ap 5 has a sickle-shaped contour.

The two flaps 6 are separated by another central recess 11 directedalong the axis X--X, and accordingly have a generally trapezoidalconfiguration, the small base 12 of the trapezium having the same widthas the edge 8 of the flap 4.

Preferably, the elastic fabric is cut out as shown in FIG. l, in whichthe warp threads are shown diagrammatically and designated by thereference c, whilst the weft threads are designated by the reference t.The Warp threads c are oriented at right angles to the axis X-X and theangle of inclination of the lateral edge 7 of the piece A is such thatthe threads c make with this edge an angle a which is at least equal to30 and preferably comprised between 30 and 60, and which isadvantageously equal to 45.

The orientation of the edges 1a, 1b of the recess 1 in that case is suchthat said edges are located parallel to the threads c and t respectivelyor at a slight angle of inclination relatively to these latter.

The strengthening-piece B has a substantially triangular contour whichis symmetrical with respect to the axis Y-Y. The edge 21 is rounded andcorresponds to the belt. Said strengthening-piece terminates on theopposite side in a short transverse edge 22. The half-pattern of thepiece B advantageously corresponds to that of the ap 4 of the piece Awhich is assumed to extend to the edge 3.

Thus, the height of the piece B as measured by the distance between theedges 21, 22 corresponds to the distance between the edges 3 and 8 andthe width of the edge 22 is twice the width of the edge 8. The lateraledges 23 have a rectilineal portion which corresponds to the outline ofthe edge 1a of the flap 8 as extended by a portion having an abruptcurvature and corresponding to the narrowed portion 9 of the ap 4followed by a flared portion which terminates at the edge 22.

The piece B is preferably cut out so that the warp threads c are atright angles to the axis Y-Y.

Finally, the belt C is formed by means of a conventional elastic bandwhich is capable of extension only in the longitudinal direction.

In order to assemble the girdle, the procedure is preferably as follows:the opposite edges of the central recess 11 and of the two lateralrecesses 2 are joined together by sewing in such a manner as to form acentral pleat 31 and two lateral oblique pleats 32 which are symmetricalwith each other relatively to the central pleat 31, these three pleatsthus forming part of the base of the back of the panty-girdle, as willbe explained below.

The flaps 4 are then brought together so as to juxtapose the edges 7.These latter are then assembled along a central seam line 33 which thusextends between the edges 3 and 8. The aps 4 which are thus assembledare intended to constitute the front of the girdle and the seam 33 is aventral seam.

The piece A being thus prepared, the strengtheningpiece B is then fixedthereon so as to cover the ventral seam 33. With this object in mind,the edge 21 is sewn to the edge 3, and the edges 23 are sewn to theedges 1a of the recess 1. To this end, said edges can be hemmedtogether. The piece B and the piece A are in particular xed together tothe summits S of the recesses 1 and the assembly can be reinforced atthis point. This stage of manufacture is shown diagrammatically in FIG.2.

The assembly of the coincident transverse edges 8, 22 and 12 (as shownin FIG. 2) is then fixed along a transverse sewing line 34 located inthe bottom of the girdle in the vicinity of the fork.

Thereupon, the assembly is completed by sewing the belt C onto the edges3 and 21 of the pieces A and B. There is then obtained the girdle shownin FIGS. 3 and 4 in which is assumed to be placed in position on thewearer.

It is observed that the cut-out portion provided gives a high degree offreedom of movement to the legs and thus permits the most violentmovements without constraint inasmuch as the portion surrounding thethighs is not tight.

The direction of the fabric of the pieces A and B combined with theircut-out configuration has important technical effects. The assembly .ofdorsal pleats 31, 32 ensures perfect tting of the back and buttockswhich are supported by the enveloping form which is thus created.Furthermore, the abdomen is flattened by virtue of the crosseddirections of the threads of the flaps 4 which terminate at the ventralseam 33. The right-angled V which is thus formed by the threads alsotends to uplift the abdomen. The corresponding reaction on the girdle isaccommodated, not by the thigh-openings by reason of the wide receses 1,but by the back by virtue of the junction formed by the bottom seam 34.

The flattening effect on the abdomen is enhanced by means of the pieceB, the warp threads of which are at right angles to the ventral seam 33and can exert the maximum elasticity. The balancing action of the girdleis similarly enhanced by virtue of the fact that the points 24 of thepiece B which are attached to the belt C terminate in the back of thegirdle as shown in FIG. 4. Consequently, the girdle does not have atendency to slip upwards and thus molds the body, supports the stomachand abdomen and conforms to the shape of the body in a natural manner.

The cutting pattern provided also contributes to simplicity and ease ofmanufacture. The edges of the recess 1 are located in the direction ofthe fabric, thereby preventing any tearing at this point. In addition,the fabric does not exhibit any tendency to roll up and is highlyresistant to subsequent washing.

The special cut of the flaps 4 between the fork 9 and the edge 8 makesit possible to form the fork portion directly and avoids the need toinsert an intermediate piece at this point as is required inconventional girdles, thus providing a further simplification.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to theembodiment described and extends to all alternative forms of execution.It accordingly follows that, although the girdle shown in the drawingsis not tted with Suspenders, these could readily be attached at theusual points. Provision could also be -made in the fork portion for aprotective sanitary lining which may be detachable if necessary.Finally, the girdle and especially the edges of the openings can beprovided with all the pieces of fabric, lace or the like which serveeither for decoration or reinforcement purposes.

Finally, the dorsal seam 31 could extend up to the belt C.

What we claim is:

1. A panty girdle formed of elastic fabric comprising a main piece offabric which constitutes, at least to a partial extent, the back, thefork portion and the front,

said main piece of fabric having two lateral edges joined together bymeans of a central ventral seam, an upper edge attached to an elasticbelt and a lower edge provided with high front recesses for the freearticulation of the thighs, the parts of said lower edge which delimitsaid front Arecesses interscting at sharp angles, said main piece offabric further having its warp and weft threads obliquely andsymmetrically directed on each side of said central ventral seam and insubstantially parallel relation respectively to the inner and outersides of said front recesses.

2. A panty girdle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top sof said frontrecesses are located at a distance from the belt which is equal to aboutone-half the distance between the belt and the fork, said distance beingmeasured along said central ventral seam.

3. A pantry girdle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main piece offabric comprises at the base of the back a central pleat and two obliquelateral pleats which are symmetrical with each other relatively to thecentral pleat.

4. A panty girdle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said front recesses andsaid back pleats divide each halfpattern of said main piece of fabricinto three flaps, the lower edges of which are joined together at thetime of assembly by means .of a transverse seam formed in the vicinityof the fork.

A5, A panty girdle as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second piece offabric, which serves as a reinforcement and has a substantiallytriangular cut-out part, which covers the front and extends between thebelt and the fork.

6. A panty girdle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said reinforcementpiece of fabric is superposed in front of said main piece of fabric andcovers said central ventral seam.

7. A panty girdle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lateral edges ofsaid reinforcement piece of fabric coincide with the lower edge of saidmain piece of fabric between the fork and the tops of said frontrecesses.

8. A panty girdle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said reinforcementpiece of fabric is made of an elastic fabric;- the warp threads of whichare disposed orthogonally to said central ventral seam.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 779,461 7/ 1957 Great Britain.1,173,589 10/1958 France.

ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner Us. c1. X.R.

